Bachelor of Art in Theatre in Bakersfield United States | California State University, Bakersfield

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre provides thorough instruction in acting, technical production, design, theatre studies, and theatre education, equipping students for professional theatre careers, teaching positions, or related professions. The program's adaptable structure enables students to focus on specific areas or maintain a broad approach, while the production schedule provides numerous chances to gain experience as performers or technical crew members.
All undergraduate students admitted to the University can pursue this major. Continued enrollment depends on maintaining satisfactory academic progress across all courses. Many program activities welcome participation from all CSUB students, regardless of their chosen major. Alongside courses fulfilling General Education or Liberal Studies requirements, the department offers these programs: BA in Theatre, Theatre Minor, Theatre Technology Minor, and Theatre for Youth Minor.
CSUB's Theatrefest season presents three mainstage productions annually, showcasing diverse genres from classical works to modern pieces, Shakespearean drama to musical theatre, and serious plays to comedies. Biannually, the program hosts Theatre of New Voices, featuring original one-act plays written and directed by CSUB students. The Theatre for Young Audiences production tours local schools and community centers each year, while the Spotlight Festival invites promising high school theatre students for campus workshops and performances.

Stage productions serve as vital hands-on learning experiences where students refine their abilities. These performances form the core of the theatre program, with majors required to participate each semester either as performers or crew members. Special circumstances may be considered through faculty review.
California State University, Bakersfield's Theatre Program cultivates students' talents, technical abilities, knowledge, and creativity within a liberal arts framework. This comprehensive undergraduate education builds a strong base for various theatre specializations. Our objective is to equip students with essential skills for their future careers. Coursework covers acting, design/technology, dramatic literature/theatre history, youth theatre, directing, and playwriting. Active involvement in our theatrical season is fundamental to student development. Since campus productions welcome public audiences and touring shows engage thousands of local students annually, enriching community cultural life remains a key aspect of the Theatre Program's purpose.